At least 19 Filipinos remain in police custody in Qatar for participating in an unauthorized political demonstration, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed Sunday.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega disclosed that while 20 Filipinos were initially arrested on 28 March, one has since been released.

“Nineteen remain detained in police custody, though not necessarily in prison,” De Vega clarified in a message to DAILY TRIBUNE.

The detainees reportedly participated in a demonstration supporting former President Rodrigo Duterte, who marked his 80th birthday in The Hague, Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

De Vega assured that the Philippine Embassy in Doha is providing consular assistance. “Embassy officials are meeting with them and are ready to provide legal assistance if they are charged and not released,” he stated.

The embassy confirmed the arrest of several Filipinos early Friday morning for joining the unauthorized protest and reiterated its 13 March advisory reminding Filipinos to respect Qatari laws regarding political demonstrations.

Duterte stands accused of murder qualified as a crime against humanity allegedly committed between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019.

Official figures report 7,000 deaths during his drug war, though human rights groups estimate fatalities could reach 30,000.